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For a self-determined life - in a society based on solidarity

"For a self-determined life - in a society based on solidarity“. That is the guiding philosophy and, at the same time, the aim of the Ministry of Health, Equalities, Care and Ageing (MGEPA).

The focus is always on people and their needs. The MGEPA sees its remit as arranging the framework legal and social conditions in such a way that everyone finds their place in the community, regardless of their age or gender, and can flourish individually.

The Ministry of Health, Equalities, Care and Ageing is therefore committed to achieving

a humane, social health system centred around patients

an emancipated society in which nobody is ostracized - whether this be due to origin, sexual orientation, a handicap or for other reasons

a nursing system that first and foremost thinks from the viewpoint of those requiring care, their relatives and those providing care

a life in which self-determination and the support this requires are a matter of course, even in old age.

More information on those involved, the tasks, the organisation and the services offered by MGEPA can be found on the following Internet pages.

Making the health system more humane and social

The health policy of the MGEPA centres on people. This is not a unilateral question of "cases", "structures" and "systems", but rather what everyone needs to stay in good health or to return to good health with the help of decent medical care.

That is why the Ministry is enhancing the rights of patients in North Rhine-Westphalia and ensuring gender-based health care. It explicitly promotes preventative action and extensive medical care available to all. And that right from the start - it is obvious that effective health care for children and young people is essential for the continued well-being of a society.

Other main concerns of the MGEPA are providing support for the health of those from an immigrant background and creating and preserving an environment which improves and does not harm the health of people.

For an emancipated society without ostracization

It is not only people who emancipate themselves, a society can do the same and should progress as a communal entity. The more mature, the more confident a society is, the less it needs to sideline individuals, the more likely it is to offer each individual a worthy existence and space for people to develop without hindrances. Equal rights, however, are still not everyday reality for many women. And even nowadays, people still face rejection and discrimination due to their sexual identity.

Our policies are intended to move away from a society still run on patriarchal lines to one which centres on the self-determination of individuals. This concerns equal rights in business, administration, on the job market, in politics, thus equal opportunities under law and in real life. And it concerns a reduction in stigmatisation and violence.

Caring for people as a credo

People are living longer and longer. Although this is a positive development, it brings challenges at the same time. For this reason, the disciplines "Age" and "Care" were brought together in one ministry. The services can thus be coordinated working together with associations, local authorities and competent providers. The aim is to enable everyone to actively arrange their lives in a self-determined manner well into old age – preferably always in the middle of society. In case of a handicap or if care is essential, high quality help should be available to all those who need it – regardless of their incomes.

Living environment

Especially elderly people and/or their relatives are reliant on rapid access to the daily necessities, to advice and to nursing services without any great effort. The Ministry therefore supports local authorities in the "development of quarters suitable for the elderly" and thereby ensures that the older people are able to interact socially.

The focus is on people

The Ministry promotes nursing and care centred on people. It wants to see a nursing infrastructure which allows people to stay in their own homes as long as possible and, if the worse comes to the worse, lets those in need of care choose between a nursing home, small residential groups or living communities. In addition, expert advice and fundamental quality assurance in nursing and care are particular priorities for the MGEPA. Yet reliable, humane care cannot function unless society provides a sufficient number of qualified nurses. The Ministry works actively to counter the threatened shortage of specialist personnel, among other things by introducing a training contribution.

The information and support services offered by the MGEPA are furthermore directed particularly at the relatives who tend to those in need of care at home or in nursing facilities. They often make great sacrifices under difficult personal circumstances.

Self-determination and a life worth living in old age

People are living longer and longer. Although this is a positive development, it brings challenges at the same time. For this reason, the disciplines "Age" and "Care" were brought together in one ministry. The services can thus be coordinated working together with associations, local authorities and competent providers. The aim is to enable everyone to actively arrange their lives in a self-determined manner well into old age – preferably always in the middle of society. In case of a handicap or if care is essential, high quality help should be available to all those who need it – regardless of their incomes.

Living environment

Especially elderly people and/or their relatives are reliant on rapid access to the daily necessities, to advice and to nursing services without any great effort. The Ministry therefore supports local authorities in the "development of quarters suitable for the elderly" and thereby ensures that the older people are able to interact socially.

Living situations

Poverty in old age and social isolation are among the biggest problems faced by the elderly. The Ministry consciously works to counter this development, among other things by preparing a detailed report on the living situation of old people in our region. The aim is to meet the needs of the elderly, those with or without handicaps or the need for care in every living situation. The same applies to elderly immigrants.